Am currently enjoying Neal Stephenson's "Reamde". More of a techno-thriller (so far) than a Geek fest (see "Cryptonomicon", "Snow Crash", The Baroque Cycle, and best of all, "Anathem"), but a great read and certainly full of techno-fun. I'm only halfway through, deep in the depths of a scare-a-minute ride through China with hackers, Russian Mafia and Islamic terrorists. Typical of Stephenson, though, we have an undercurrent of a story that's actually happening in a virtual world (a close relative of World of Warcraft), and I have a suspicion that this won't be over till the Earthtone Coalition and the Forces of Brightness have sorted out their differences on-line. But maybe it's not about that at all.
There's the usual mix of savant characters - including Stephenson's trademark Geek Girl (who knows the system better than the guys and always gets her way - usually by knowing geeky stuff better than anybody else). All great fun. It has to be said, though - thus far, not quite as hugely satisfying as "Anathem" or the Baroque Cycle. Probably up there with "Cryptonomicon", though.
Full update when I've finished.
PS. In the weeks waiting for Christmas (and "Reamde" as a present) I re-read "Ilium" and "Olympos" by Dan Simmons. I cannot begin to tell you how enjoyable these are. Greek Gods who are really scientifically enhanced humans. The real siege of Troy, with Hector, Paris, Agamemnon and Odysseus - as described by Homer, but with a techno twist. Achilles in Tartarus. Terra-formed Mars. Little cyborgs from the moons of Jupiter that really love Shakespeare and Proust.
My favourite line is a slight spoiler, but it's the first sentence from the second book (Olympos) and is just wonderful -
"Helen of Troy awakes just before dawn to the sound of air raid sirens."
Love it, love it, love it. I cannot recommend these books highly enough. Read them, and enjoy.
